IT DATES back more than 200 years but soon Swinford could be one of the most modern bridges in Oxfordshire.

Traffic problems at the toll bridge have led to new thinking about whether technology holds the key in cutting queues as drivers pay their way.

Now drivers could soon be paying the 5p toll electronically after German company Siemens offered to help.

From its Eynsham base the company produces magnets for medical use. It is becoming fed up of its employees getting stuck by 18th century legislation.

So Siemens, which has about 500 staff in Eynsham, is looking at a number-plate recognition system which would mean drivers could buy a ticket in advance.

Staff at Siemens Magnet Technology approached colleagues at sister firm Siemens Traffic Solutions to see if they could help.

A spokesman said: “Exploratory discussions between experts from Siemens Traffic Solutions, the owner of Swinford toll bridge, West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council are currently taking place, to see if Siemens can potentially support a traffic solution to ease congestion.”

Rodney Rose, the county council's deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, said: “The council has been asked to try to speed up traffic by Siemens and it came with an offer by them to look at a way of electronic payment. But I have always said that if the tolls were removed I would probably want to put traffic lights up to slow the vehicles down.”

Residents and users said the 250-year-old toll, created by a 1767 Act of Parliament, was causing 21st century problems.

Andy Duval, business excellence manager at Siemen’s in Eynsham, said: “I think this is a brilliant idea. I have been here for 17 years and I have to queue up every morning at the bridge.

“Everyone here would appreciate it.”

Eynsham Parish Council chairman Gordon Beach said: “The backing-up of cars in the mornings and in the evenings is an issue which needs to be looked at.

“A lot of people will tell you they spend a lot of time queuing to pay a 5p toll, but it is very difficult because at the moment it is a private toll bridge.”

Cumnor parish councillor John Griffin, who lives in Farmoor, said: “This would certainly help deal with the traffic because something needs to be done.

“Sometimes the traffic backs up as far as the A420 so it would be good to do something about it.”